It too feels there was no winner but argues that the entertainment the trial provided made a case for allowing television cameras into British courts to capture the drama.

The Times says the verdict has wider implications for MPs.

"The jury seems to have decided that certain outside commercial interests, or the perception that such interest might be courted by impatient and less than scrupulous MPs, are incompatible with proper service at Westminster," its editorial reads.

'Liar'

The Sun tabloid, which had dubbed the trial as Liar v Liar, says the verdict has not changed its view.

"I Think I Need To Liar Down" its front page headline reads.

Its editorial concludes that "the biggest losers are the public, who put their faith in MPs and dodgy businessmen".

"As Odious As Each Other" is the Daily Mail verdict.

In its editorial the right-wing paper decries the slump in standards of public life, declaring: "Drip by drip, the routine corruption that characterises so many European countries is tainting our public life."

Sword of truth

"Destroyed" is The Express headline and inside it focuses on Mr Hamilton's "battleaxe" wife Christine. But it concurs that there was no real winner in the case, describing the verdict as the "best of a bad job".

The Mirror alone trumpets Mr al-Fayed's victory and pictures Mr al-Fayed holding the sword of truth on its front page under the headline "Trust Me!"

It quotes Mr al-Fayed saying he will root out more corrupt MPs.
and declares in its editorial: "He has done this country a massive public service."

The paper adds: "He revealed this disgusting web of sleaze in Westminster - and we should all be grateful."

It calls on Prime Minister Tony Blair to reward the Harrods boss by giving him a British passport.